Indications
- Used to control and prevent symptoms of lung diseases like COPD (chronic bronchitis, emphysema).
- Contains umeclidinium and vilanterol, both relax muscles around airways.
- Umeclidinium is an anticholinergic, vilanterol is a long-acting beta agonist (LABA), both are bronchodilators.
- Helps open airways for easier breathing, aiding in staying active.
- Must be used regularly for effectiveness, not for sudden shortness of breath.
- If sudden breathing issues occur, use prescribed quick-relief inhaler.
- Not approved for asthma treatment.
- Use of long-acting beta agonists (e.g., vilanterol) in asthma without an inhaled corticosteroid may increase the risk of serious breathing problems, including fatal outcomes.
Dosage and administration
- Read Patient Information Leaflet before use; follow illustrated directions.
- Inhale medication by mouth as directed, usually once daily.
- Do not open inhaler cover until ready to use; opening prepares a dose.
- Avoid opening and closing cover without inhaling to prevent dose loss.
- Inhale without exhaling into the device; may or may not taste/feel the drug.
- Use regularly at the same time each day; not more than once daily.
- Do not increase, use more often, or stop without consulting your doctor.
- Using other inhalers simultaneously: wait at least 1 minute between each.
- If using a daily quick-relief inhaler (e.g., albuterol), consult doctor for schedule adjustments.
- Learn which inhaler to use daily and for sudden worsened breathing.
- Consult doctor for guidance on managing new or worsening symptoms.
- Inform doctor if condition doesn’t improve or worsens.
Side effects
- Medication prescribed due to the doctor’s judgment of benefits outweighing risks.
- Serious side effects are uncommon in many users.
- Inform the doctor immediately if experiencing:
- Shaking (tremor)
- Nervousness
- Difficult/painful urination
- Muscle cramps/weakness
- Increased thirst/urination
- Regularly check blood pressure, inform the doctor of high results.
- Rarely, may cause sudden, severe wheezing/trouble breathing after use; use quick-relief inhaler and seek immediate medical help.
- Get immediate medical help for very serious side effects, including:
- Chest pain
- Fast/irregular heartbeat
- Severe dizziness
- Fainting
- Eye pain/swelling/redness
- Vision changes (e.g., rainbows around lights, blurred vision)
- Very serious allergic reactions are rare; seek immediate medical help for symptoms like:
- Rash
- Itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
- Not a complete list; contact doctor or pharmacist for other possible side effects.
Precautions
- Inform doctor or pharmacist of allergies to umeclidinium or vilanterol, or any other allergies.
- Check for inactive ingredients, like milk proteins, that may cause allergic reactions.
- Disclose medical history, especially heart problems, high blood pressure, seizures, overactive thyroid, diabetes, glaucoma, difficulty urinating.
- Umeclidinium/vilanterol may cause QT prolongation, leading to serious or fatal irregular heartbeat; seek medical attention for symptoms like severe dizziness, fainting.
- Risk of QT prolongation increases with certain medical conditions or drugs; inform doctor of all medications and relevant medical history.
- Low potassium or magnesium levels may increase QT prolongation risk; discuss use with doctor, especially if using diuretics or experiencing conditions like severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- Inform surgeon/dentist about medication use before surgery.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, especially QT prolongation.
- Use during pregnancy only when necessary; discuss risks and benefits with the doctor.
- Unknown if medication passes into breast milk; consult the doctor before breastfeeding.